The inclusion of music in school curricula often raises concerns among Muslim parents regarding the boundaries of music in Islam. Is it categorically forbidden, or is there room for participation? This topic has been hotly debated by scholars of the past and present, resulting in two primary perspectives that educators and parents should understand to navigate this issue with wisdom.

The Divergent Scholarly Views

Islamic jurisprudence offers two main approaches to the issue of music:

  1. The Restrictive View: Many scholars have historically been inclined to condemn all forms of music and musical instruments, with the singular exception of the ad-duff (tambourine) used during weddings. They base this on traditions that link music to drinking, dancing, and licentiousness.
  2. The Contextual View: A significant number of scholars have taken a more positive approach. They argue that music is not forbidden in its essence; rather, it is prohibited only when it contains sensual, pagan, or unethical themes or subliminal messages that contradict Islamic values.

The Balanced Approach

Prominent scholars argue that the second view is more consistent with the general nature of Islam. The faith is a complete way of life that caters to genuine human instincts—including the appreciation of beauty and sound—within permissible limits.

According to this perspective, declaring all music forbidden does not align with the balanced approach of Islam. The traditions often cited to justify a total ban are viewed by these scholars as either weak in authenticity or specific to contexts of vice (such as gatherings involving alcohol and illicit sex).

The Criterion for Permissibility

For those who adopt the view of permissibility, the line between Halal (lawful) and Haram (unlawful) is drawn at the content and intent:

  • Prohibited: Any form of music that contains pagan themes, promotes immorality, encourages illicit sexual behaviour, or carries messages contrary to the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid).
  • Permitted: Music that is free of such themes and messages. This permission extends to the instruments themselves, provided they are not used to accompany sinful acts.

Evidence from the Prophetic Tradition

Scholars supporting the permissible view cite authentic traditions showing that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) allowed singing in wholesome contexts.

In one authentic narration, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) listened to young girls singing at a wedding. He did not stop them from singing or playing music. He interrupted them only when they sang a verse attributing knowledge of the unseen to him: “In our midst is a prophet who knows what will happen tomorrow.”

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) corrected them, saying:

Cut this sentence out, and continue singing what you have been singing earlier.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari 5147)

This incident indicates that the objection was theological (regarding the Unseen), not musical. There is nothing in the sources to rigorously limit this permission solely to weddings, as some suggest; rather, it establishes that wholesome singing is not inherently sinful.

Conclusion for Educators and Parents

For Muslim parents worried about school activities like choir or Christmas concerts, the concern often stems from the religious content of the songs (e.g., worshipping Jesus) or the environment.

  • Choirs and Instruments: If the lyrics are ethical, secular, or positive, and the environment is safe, many scholars consider this permissible.
  • Religious Holidays: Participation in songs that involve specific non-Islamic worship or theology is not permitted.
  • Dancing: It must be stressed that Islam clearly prohibits mixed dancing between males and females, which is a separate issue from the music itself.